Pentlepoir Play Park in East Williamston Parish has officially reopened, featuring new equipment, ensuring a safe and inclusive space for local children.

Several children in East Williamston Parish had quite an exciting time on Friday, August 14. They were not only able to enjoy the new equipment in the recently renovated Pentlepoir Play Park, but also took part in the official opening ceremony, with a little group actually sharing the cutting of the ribbon.

Thanks to generous grants from Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund’ and Wales Government’s ‘All Wales Play Opportunities Fund’, match- funded by East Williamston Community Council, and to the supply and installation of new play equipment of the highest quality by manufacturer Kompan Ltd, this popular local amenity is now a fully inclusive, appealing and safe place for the area’s younger residents to enjoy for decades to come.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of both the Community and County Councils, including PCC Lead for Responsibility for Play, Cllr. Jon Harvey, and East Williamston County Councillor Jacob Williams, along with Grant Funding Administrators Sinead Henahan and Hayli Gibson, as well as many local residents.

In his welcoming address EW Community Council Chair, Cllr Doug McIntosh expressed his council’s appreciation for the support and expert guidance given by the administrators of both funds – and, of course, for the funding granted.

He praised the professionalism of Kompan Ltd., which met all its contract goals despite a historically bad winter! He made mention of the tolerance shown, and support given, by the park’s near neighbours over the last 25 years and paid special tribute to one such, Richard Fanus, who passed away just months before the opening – he welcomed Richard’s wife Josie and family as special guests at the ceremony.

He then handed over to Cllr Jacob Williams, who expressed appreciation of the dedication to the project and the hard work carried out by the (then) Chair, Cllr Dr. Peter Strydom.

Cllr Strydom promptly organised all the children present around the main piece of equipment for the cutting of the ribbon – after which happy mayhem prevailed!

Not only were the children who attended then allowed to enjoy the play equipment, and give it their seal of approval, but they also each received a goody bag to take home, courtesy of Kompan Ltd.

Pembrokeshire’s share of Welsh Government Capital Grant funding for children has been put to good use across the county, the Local Authority stated recently.

It has supported the enhancement of play opportunities and delivery of several actions identified in the area’s Play Sufficiency Action Plan, delivering significant benefits for children, young people and communities.

A key outcome of the grant of nearly £195,000 has been the improvement of existing play areas through the replacement, repair and installation of equipment, surfacing and infrastructure.

A group of ‘prospective customers’ are pictured posing alongside their new multi-play unit with EW Community Council clerk Jane Clark-Davies, Cllrs Strydom, Ian Wilkinson, Doug McIntosh, Cllr Williams and Grant Fund Administrators Sinead Henehan and Hayli Gibson.